Change Starts from Home
It is probably unsurprising to hear that more and more people are now choosing their energy providers not just on the basis of cost, but also on the basis of the impact on the climate and how sustainable they are. The reason for this is the increasing awareness of climate change among people because it is more out there. Clearly cost, while extremely relevant, isn’t the single most important factor any more.
But even in saying this, it is relatively tough to break the habit loop that we get so comfortable in and are not able to find ways and means to actually make a difference in the way we consume energy. But when we actively start taking this effort it becomes all about looking at the right place for the right things. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Greener energy for the future
Green electricity is relatively easier to provide. What is tough, is providing green gas. So, when you look for energy providers, look for those who not only provide green electricity, but also those who pay to offset their carbon footprint.
You can always ask your energy provider for information on your tariff and they must tell you about the fuel mix and the environmental information like CO2 emissions. If you are not happy with the sustainability record, you can do some research and choose the energy provider which is best.
Smarter Technology for a smart home
The main benefit of smart technology is that it reduces your energy output. Smart technology allows you to closely monitor your energy consumption. This doesn’t just lower your energy costs but also reduces your carbon footprint.
For example, changing to a smart thermostat means that you can control your heating by a smartphone app, and also link it to your phone’s location so it never heats when you’re not at home. Switching over to smart lights could be a very good step towards a sustainable home. Because these smart lights use LEDs, they use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. And these can be connected to assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Make sure that your water is hot
Insulating hot water tanks can lead to a decrease in the actual energy consumption to keep the water hot and also leads to reduced costs. But more importantly, this leads to reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Hot water tanks should be at least 80 mm thick and if yours is not, consider buying a new one.
Keep the energy inside
Draught-proofing doors is very straightforward. You block all gaps that let the cold air in and the warm out. This makes your home warmer, saves the environment and is a very simple way of saving money! But, even here, it is much more preferable if the products bought for draught-proofing are made of fabric instead of plastic.
These are just some of the things that you can do personally to make that small change which can lead to a huge impact. So what are you waiting for?
